Bilateral ties, the Cyprus problem, energy matters and regional issues on the agenda of the FM’s talks in Saudi Arabia

Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, who held talks with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir during a working visit to Riyadh, discussed with him bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the way these are developing, especially after Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades’ visit to Saudi Arabia earlier in January this year, an official statement said.

The two ministers agreed on the possibilities and prospects to further develop bilateral ties and to promote in the near future, a number of agreements, bilateral cooperation and joint actions. They also agreed to exchange visits, relating in particular to trade, the economy and business.

At the same time, both agreed that the opening of a diplomatic mission by Saudi Arabia in Cyprus in the immediate future will greatly contribute to achieving the goals set out by both governments.

Christodoulides briefed extensively his counterpart on the Cyprus problem and efforts to resume the dialogue in the framework of the UN as well as Turkey’s actions in Eastern Mediterranean.

The two ministers discussed extensively regional issues and developments concerning the Middle East and there was an exchange of views on the situation in the region.

During the discussion, satisfaction was expressed for developing Saudi Arabia’s relations with the EU, which will contribute to the implementation of the “Saudi Vision 2030”.

It was pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus, in its capacity as an EU member, can contribute significantly to strengthening the relations of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf with the EU, to promoting peace, security and welfare in the region.

The Saudi Arabian FM accepted an invitation to pay an official visit to Cyprus in the immediate future.

Christodoulides also met with the Acting President of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Dr. Sami Al-Obaidi and the Vice President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities Jamal Omar.

Al-Obaidi welcomed the planned Cyprus chamber forum that will be held in Riyadh by the end of the year and expressed his readiness to develop trade and business relations between the two countries.

For his part, the Vice-President Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities expressed interest in staging exhibitions of antiquities from both countries and in establishing broader cooperation on cultural issues.

He also conveyed the readiness of the Chairman of the Tourism / National Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia to visit Cyprus to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation in tourism.